The Steadfast Tin Solder [Illustrated]

By TK Wade

A TIMELESS ROMANCE!

An American toy soldier known as Private James falls deep into the pits of hate and madness for the sake of a beautiful ballerina and his own dream of a better world. Despite the absence of one leg, James stands against despair, even when there is no hope left. But how can a simple toy soldier make a difference? Is love stronger than ancient evil?

Hans Christian Andersen's classic "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" gets a Americanized reimagining in this tale written by T.K. Wade and beautifully illustrated by Chris Buffaloe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TK Wade
• Release date: Jun 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463335031

TK Wade

T.K. Wade is a writer based in coastal North Carolina. His favorite author is L. Frank Baum who has inspired a great deal of his work. Although he specializes in children's literature, he enjoys writing in nearly every genre under the sun. He spends most of his time writing in a room filled with plush animals. Also, you can read his blog at http://tkwadeauthor.blogspot.com/Please enjoy!

Book preview

A reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen classic

THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER

by

T.K. Wade

*****

PUBLISHED BY:

T.K. Wade on Smashwords

Illustrated by:

Chris Buffaloe

A reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen classic

The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Copyright © 2018 by T.K. Wade

ISBN: 9780463335031

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

*****

A reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen classic

THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER

*****

Chapter I

A Strange Story

As the title of this story clearly suggests, this is the tale of a soldier. He was in fact an American soldier and a proud member of the Union Army. He is also a toy. You likely thought that it is impossible for a toy to be proud of anything, for they do not possess the ability to think or feel; however, I am happy to say that this is not exactly true. In this light, you may find the story I am about to relate to you to be a strange one, but I encourage you to have an open mind so that you may understand just how important this story is.

Our story begins within a simple toy store. An old man both lived here and ran the shop. Sadly, I have forgotten his name, but I would not worry too much about it. He would likely appreciate his privacy regardless.

The old man was well known for selling all the nicest toys in town. His reputation was so great that people from the big cities would come to see his stock. The man would buy his inventory from only the best factories in the country, but more interestingly, he also made toys himself when he had a spare moment.

On one of these spare moment days, he closed up his shop and proceeded into his workroom which was in the back of his lovely store. Here he would tinker and create various little toys of wonder for the boys and girls to play with. Indeed, this was the day he wished to make a set of tin soldiers for those boys who enjoyed playing out little wars upon their bedroom floor.

But what was he to use for the tin? I am sad to say that the old man was fresh out of tin in which to make these fine, brave soldiers. You might suppose the story would end here, but happily, that is not the situation. You see, this old toymaker was so intent upon the craft that he gathered up a set of tin spoons from within his kitchen and melted them down at once. After all, he was very successful as a toymaker. He could easily afford a new set of spoons if he wished.

The spoons melted splendidly and were cast into a mold that had been prepared for the task at hand. It took some time, but eventually, the tin had become solid and cool. The toymaker had created a set of twenty-five infantrymen, and he was quite proud of them.

The old man was now tasked with painting them the proper colors of the Union Army. There was a copious amount of blue, to be sure, as well as a number of other colors to complete the look. The soldiers also had a rifle and bayonet of which they should carry into battle, for all soldiers have need to defend themselves.